Jadeja uncertain for Vishakhapatnam test

Uncertainty looms over Ravindra Jadeja’a availability for the second test in Visakhapatnam as the ace all rounder picked an injury during the fourth day of the inaugural test. The 35 year old, seemingly in pain and discomfort after being run out by Ben Stokes on Sunday, awaits his fate as his scan reports have been sent to Mumbai for assessment. The extent of his hamstring injury will probably be known on Monday, with sources hinting the possibility of him being not available for the second test, which commences on February 2. 

Sending reports of injured players is a standard practice and in this case, a professional medical opinion is expected by Monday evening. Jadeja’s reaction to the injury while heading back to the dressing room was not encouraging and the first assessment is not positive, though, nothing is incontrovertible so far.  “What we understand is that it is a hamstring pull and not tear; so he should be fine for the third Test certainly if he can't play the second," said a credible source.

If Jadeja is deemed unfit, Kuldeep Yadav can take his place in the team. However, the team will definitely miss the all rounder for his batting skills and, particularly his remarkable fielding prowess. Jadeja (87) was the pick of the Indian batters in the first innings of the series opener. His stay in the second innings was cut short by a direct hit from Ben Stokes. His combined bowling figures in the Test were 5/219. 

The hosts will remain in Hyderabad on Monday, what would have been the fifth and final day of the just concluded Test, and are slated to travel to Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.